Basalt
United States · ColoradoUS
Magnesium- and iron-rich extrusive igneous rock
Basalt is an aphanitic (fine-grained) extrusive igneous rock formed from the rapid cooling of low-viscosity lava rich in magnesium and iron exposed at or very near the surface of a rocky planet or moon. More than 90% of all volcanic rock on Earth is basalt. Rapid-cooling, fine-grained basalt has the same chemical composition and mineralogy as slow-cooling, coarse-grained gabbro. The eruption of basalt lava is observed by geologists at about 20 volcanoes per year. Basalt is also an important rock type on other planetary bodies in the Solar System. For example, the bulk of the plains of Venus, which cover ~80% of the surface, are basaltic; the lunar maria are plains of flood-basaltic lava flows; and basalt is a common rock on the surface of Mars.
Read more on Wikipedia →- Coordinates
- 39.369, -107.033
- Timezone
- America/Denver
Overview of Basalt
Basalt is the kind of destination you find in Colorado, United States. The local offer centres on adventure and nature. It lies in the northern hemisphere, which drives its seasonal calendar.
Things to do in Basalt
Adventure in Basalt
(1)Looking for adventure? Basalt has Climbing. Easy to slot into a wider itinerary. The list follows Basalt's own activity tags.
Nature in Basalt
(1)Basalt's nature entries include Volcanoes. These entries mirror the activity data we hold for Basalt. These pair well with anything else on this page.
Best time to visit Basalt
April to June and September to October offers mild conditions for outdoor routes.
Getting there & around
Public transport thins out here — the nearest hub in Colorado plus a short drive is the usual route. Set your clock to America/Denver on arrival.
Similar destinations
Places near Basalt that share the same kinds of activities.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Basalt known for?
- Travellers associate Basalt with adventure and nature. It sits in Colorado, United States.
- What can you do in Basalt?
- Basalt is tagged with Climbing and Volcanoes, which is enough to structure a first visit.
- When is the best time to visit Basalt?
- April to June and September to October offers mild conditions for outdoor routes.
- Where is Basalt located?
- Basalt belongs to Colorado, United States, so it pairs naturally with other stops in the same area.
Personal notes
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